How to dry linden flowers?

Benefits of linden

Because it is full of virtues, linden flower is consumed in various forms: as an infusion, of course, but also as a decoction, and in capsules and homeopathic products, notably. Its benefits extend across different areas, making this substance indispensable for many issues.

A valuable ally for restoring serenity

Anyone suffering from stress can try taking linden to regain wellbeing. Very concretely, linden can act directly on the nervous system, helping to naturally reduce feelings of agitation and even anxiety. At the same time, it helps relax muscles, which also makes it easier to relieve stress.

If you frequently suffer from insomnia due to recurring stress, try drinking linden tea each evening before bed. Simply sipping something warm and comforting can help you feel better, and linden’s mild anxiolytic properties will certainly benefit you. Another clear advantage: unlike medications that aid sleep, herbal teas do not cause dependence or adverse effects.

A natural solution for digestive problems

Sapwood of linden (the soft part of the trunk, beneath the bark) is often used for its detoxifying properties. Linden can help you overcome digestive problems and optimise elimination of toxins. It helps reduce bloating and any discomfort that may be felt after a heavy meal. Feel free to drink your linden tea after eating if you wish to avoid any sensation of discomfort.

Many surprising benefits to discover

The best-known benefits of linden are those relating to relaxation and the reduction of spasms (digestive problems). But this species is full of even more surprising advantages: for example, it may have a particularly useful effect on various ENT disorders (soothing nasal discharge associated with colds, reducing fever).

Some recommend taking linden tisanes as part of a weight-loss regimen, alongside a balanced diet, to aid elimination and digestion.

When and how to harvest lime flowers?

When to harvest?

Linden harvest period varies depending on where you live and your climate: in France, harvest is generally in June, but this can be a little earlier or a little later, depending on circumstances.

To know whether it is time to collect your linden flowers, wait until the very first flowers open. From one year to the next, it is not uncommon for flowering to shift by a few weeks, according to the meteorological variations that occur.

Note that throughout summer, you can also harvest linden leaves and eat them instead of salad leaves with no problem.

How to harvest?

At harvest time, you must collect the bract and all flowers attached to it. This is the intermediate part located between the leaf and the flower, which looks like a leaf, slightly elongated, in a pale green colour. To protect yourself, favour harvesting early in the morning or very late in the evening, when insects are asleep… Indeed, during the day bees and other bumblebees tend to gather easily around linden trees.

Drying linden flowers and storing them

After harvesting, dry everything for at least two weeks indoors, making sure exposure to sunlight is optimal. Once this step is complete, you can store your flowers in a paper bag for several months, or in glass jars.

Some tips to better enjoy the benefits of your linden flowers

Once you have your own lime blossom flowers at home and to hand, you can use them in various ways to enjoy them.

Prepare herbal teas with other essential oils

If linden is full of benefits when consumed pure as a tisane, you can blend it with other plants to enjoy additional effects. For example, to savour a drink that is both delicious and relaxing, prepare linden with lavender, hawthorn and passionflower. For added indulgence, infusion can be sweetened with cane sugar, agave syrup or even honey.

Linden infusion, soothing for skin

On closer inspection, linden reveals a wealth of benefits, some of which are surprising! For example, cold infusion can be used to soothe itching and redness on sensitive skin. You can also add a litre of linden infusion to your bath water to relax more easily.

To learn more

Discover our full fact sheet: Lime tree, Tilia: planting, cultivation and pruning.